LDA Immunotherapy

Low Dose Allergens (LDA) is an immunotherapy treatment for allergies (and allergy-related conditions) and is markedly different from traditional allergy treatments because the dose is much lower and safer, and the injection response lasts much longer. The LDA treatment produces tolerance to allergens at the cellular level using precise ultra-low doses of allergens activated by an added enzyme, creating a highly effective formulation. Essentially LDA reboots an overwhelmed immune system, restoring the natural cellular immune tolerance to a complete range of specific environmental allergens/antigens.

A single LDA treatment will typically provide relief for up to two months initially. Most patients report a significant improvement after just one or two treatments, although the treatment becomes more effective and has greater longevity with each successive injection.

The LDA treatment consists of intradermal injections, usually one or two, into the skin of the forearm. These are done about every two months. Because the treatment serves by clearing an overwhelmed immune system, there are certain measures taken to temporarily minimize exposure to most substances. While these changes are not absolutely necessary all of the time, the better they are followed, the more likely an impressive result will be obtained.

Most important are what we call the three critical days, which are the day before, the day of, and the day after the injections. Further ahead is a description of the diet recommended for those days. In addition the following are aspects that have been found true from experience with LDA.

** Breast implants, birth control pills, and smoking will block the effect of LDA.
** Most prescription drugs will block the effect of LDA. These must be evaluated for each individual.
** LDA is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
The following changes should be instituted starting ONE WEEK BEFORE the injections and continued for THREE WEEKS AFTER the injections.
** No alcohol, caffeine, or more than about 500 mg. of vitamin C.
** No essential fatty acid supplements (fish oil, flax oil, borage oil, etc.).
** Eliminate or minimize exposure to any sources of smoke, fumes, and fragrances, such as new carpets, new paint, new car interiors, etc.
** Take the following supplements, BUT NOT ON THE 3 CRITICAL DAYS:
Multi-Nutrients 2 capsules 2x per day
Magnesium 2 capsules 2x per day
5-MTHF 1 capsule 2x per day
Zinc 1 capsule 1x per day

THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS MAY OPTIMIZE THE TREATMENT’S EFFECTIVENESS, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BE PERFECT ABOUT THIS. THE INJECTIONS THEMSELVES ARE POTENT IN MOST SETTINGS.

There will usually appear a red, raised area around the injection sites. It may last several days. There may be itching, but should not be treated with antihistamines, ice, or other methods. After it has disappeared, it may reappear if there is a strong exposure to any food or inhalant allergen.
An immediate temporary “cure” of symptoms may follow the injections, and may last for up to five weeks. This occurs after the first treatment in about 60% of the cases. In other cases the treatment may suddenly take effect at any time up to three weeks after the injections. The benefit may then wear off a number of weeks later, but the second treatment must wait at least 7-8 weeks after the first.

The period of improvement after each treatment lengthens over time, and gradually one feels quite well for the whole two-months. At that point, the treatments are given less and less frequently, and it becomes important to delay the next treatment until symptoms have begun to return.

FOOD INTOLERANCE AND UNMASKING

Unlike a true food allergy, which is an immediate, severe reaction to a food, food intolerance is quite common. Many people feel generally unwell due to an intolerance of foods eaten routinely. If a poorly tolerated food is rotated in the diet, which means it is eaten every 4-5 days, there may be minimal symptoms noticed. The effect of the poorly tolerated food is being masked by the timing of the body’s exposure to it. The reaction to the food will be stronger if it is eaten either more frequently or less frequently.

In patients with significant food intolerance, LDA may cause unmasking of foods. Perhaps after the second or third treatment, a food previously thought to be safe begins to cause a reaction. When this occurs, it is only temporary. The continuing of the LDA treatment course will have its overall clearing effect, and the previous intolerance to foods will be resolved.

YEAST

Some people have an overgrowth of different species of yeast or fungal organisms in the digestive tract. When this is the case, some form of anti-fungal treatment will be valuable in adding to the effectiveness of LDA. The type of anti-fungal therapy will depend on the individual patient and should be started one week before the injections. LDA has been found to cure toenail and fingernail fungus problems over a course of 6-9 months, sometimes sooner.

MORE ABOUT THE THREE CRITICAL DAYS

These three are the day before, the day of, and the day after the injections. On these days we want to steer clear of anything disruptive to body chemistry. Overly stressful or strong chemical exposures that should be avoided might include extreme heat (sauna, hot tub, hot yoga), intense exercise, hairspray, cologne, make-up, lotions, detergents, dental treatment, beauty salons, and nail salons. Any products used should be unscented and hypoallergenic. Salt and baking soda would be the best choices for brushing teeth and for use as a deoderant.

REMEMBER, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BE PERFECT. THESE ARE JUST GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMIZING THE RESULTS.